Beside The Brompton Oratory, a contemporary interpration of a grand London townhouse by Sir David Chipperfield
Architecture by David Chipperfield Architects
Project by Spink Partners
Photography by Simon Menges
This private house is located in London's Kensington and overlooks a small park and several historic buildings including the Brompton Oratory and Holy Trinity Church. The building has five storeys: three above ground and two below. A complex sectional arrangement is centred on views of the church at the front and a private walled garden to the rear.
The main elevation consists of a symmetrical brick façade featuring handmade brick columns that decrease in diameter while increasing in number on each floor. On the ground floor, a single stout column marks the entrance porch and the start of the formal entrance sequence.
The main living spaces are situated on the first floor, expressed as a classic piano nobile, while an expansive master-bedroom suite occupies the top floor. Both are placed behind loggias featuring round brick columns which create a private outdoor space while screening the interiors from the road. Three further en-suite bedrooms and staff accommodation are on the lower ground floor, with access to the walled garden. A grand formal dining room, cinema room, spa and swimming pool occupy the basement.
The building’s structure is made of in-situ concrete with a brick skin, with precast concrete soffits and sills. The visible concrete matches the colour of the bricks with an exposed aggregate finish. All exterior doors and windows are made of bronze. The main materials inside include travertine, oak doors and fittings, and polished plaster walls.
